When hiking trails in North Phoenix Mountain Park, you lose the awareness that you are in the middle of the 5th largest US city.

I’ve found my favorite hike in Phoenix, Arizona! It’s the series of trails that cover the area around Squaw Peak in the North Phoenix Mountain Park.

My friend Rambo (yes, that is his real name) showed me this area. We accessed the trails from Dreamy Draw Drive, just west of the 51. There are a couple of tunnels that take you under the highway and into this Phoenix park. The scenery is stunning. As we crested the first ridge from the west, the above shot was taken. Amazing feeling of being in the desert. No city noise or views. Just mountainous terrain, cacti, and wildlife.

Here is the view from the next ridge we hiked up to. The 51 is there in the middle, and I am looking west and north. It was late afternoon and the temps were in the mid-80s. Rambo is bragging about how he had done this hike earlier in the day when it was really hot. He was also threatening not to hike with me anymore if I continued to carry the large purple water container I brought. At least it held a lot of ice compared to the little jug he brought.

One of the many saguaros growing in this area. I think there are more saguaros in this part of the park than any other area of the valley. Saguaros are my favorite cactus. I have been told each limb takes a hundred years to grow. Another surprising fact is they are HARD like a tree. I always thought that green area was spongy.

Here’s a shot from about the same location as we began from the first ridge. Sun is setting on Squaw Peak (on right). The hike was approximately 4.25 miles. With my stopping to take pictures, take in the views, and catch my breath it was about 2 hours of exercise. Rambo usually does it in an hour and a half. It must be noted, he has no eye-witnesses to this.

Here is the view opposite of the above:

I hope to do this route again soon for a sunrise hike. It has been a perfect one for helping me get out and walk during my 90 Day Challenge. Since moving to Phoenix just over four years ago, the North Phoenix Mountain Park has provided many opportunities to enjoy the desert without having to leave the city.